The Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has joined state and local partners to present a series of Scam Jam events across Kentucky. These free, public workshops educate consumers about current scams and how to protect themselves against investment fraud, identity theft, and more. Events include lunch, vendors, and document shredding services. Registration is required. If you are interested in hosting a Scam Jam event, please contact tasha.stewart@ky.gov.
Upcoming Events
- Pikeville Scam Jam and Community Shredding Event - May 14, 2026; Register here
- Hopkinsville Scam Jam and Community Shredding Event - August 27, 2026; Registration link coming soon
Below is a summary of tips from these seminars.
Common “Red Flags” of Financial Fraud:
- Special guarantees (in investing or sweepstakes).
- Promises of no risk with high rewards/returns.
- Offers for a “limited time” only.
- Offers for YOU only.
- Pressure by the salesperson to give an immediate response.
- Requirements for an advance payment or “cash only” accepted.
- Promises to get you the paperwork “later.”
- The company representative cannot be reached if you have a question.
- The offer sounds too good to be true.
Steps to Avoid Scams:
- Take your time.
- Do your homework before signing any contract (lending, investing, or otherwise).
- Read the fine print.
- Check out the source.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited calls and messages.
- Have a plan to get off of the phone.
- Have a “buddy” – someone to help get you out of a situation where you feel pressured.
- Don’t trust testimonials.
What to Do if You’re a Victim:
- Don’t be embarrassed. You are not the only victim.
- Immediately report it to the proper authorities and your financial institution.
- Let your family and friends know what happened. By talking with others you may save someone else from becoming a victim.
Additional Information
Before investing, check with your state securities regulator to verify if the investment opportunity is registered and if the seller is licensed. In Kentucky, visit DFI's Investor Resources page or call (800) 223-2579.
Senior Scam Jam Partners
- Team Kentucky Stop Scams
Visit StopScams.ky.gov for more information about avoiding, reporting, and recovering from a scam. - AARP Kentucky State Office
To learn more about AARP in Kentucky, call (866) 295-7275. To connect with AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, call (877) 908-3360 or visit https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/. - Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission
To learn more about KFEC, call (502) 564-8823 or email info@kyfec.com. - Kentucky Department of Insurance
To check insurance products, file a complaint related to insurance or report insurance fraud, call (502) 564-3630, (800) 595-6053 or (800) 648-6056 TTY.
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
To report mail theft or mail fraud, call (877) 876-2455 or (877) USMail5.
- Better Business Bureau
To research a company or a charity or to file a complaint:
—BBB of Louisville, Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana – call (800) 388-2222.
—BBB of Central and Eastern Kentucky — call (800) 866-6668 or email info@ky.bbb.org.
—BBB serving Northern Kentucky — call (800) 471-3015.
- Kentucky Office of the Attorney General
To report fraud or obtain assistance with consumer complaints involving products and services, call the Office of Consumer Protection at (888) 432-9257, option 3.
- Kentucky Senior Medicare Patrol Program
To report Medicare fraud, call (502) 574-6960 or (877) 603-6558.
